He was about to speak, his gaze dropping, when he noticed the sweat on her pale face and realized that she seemed to have fainted.
His arms tightened around her, his brows furrowed for a moment,
"Nantang"
His tone was unintentionally harsher.
"Your Highness"
Standing at the entrance, Nantang walked in, and before he could salute, he was called over.
"Come and have a look"
When Nantang looked up and saw a woman collapsed in His Highness’s embrace, he was startled.
He hurried over, having learned some medical skills during his travels through the south in his early years.
He took Su Yan’s pulse, and after a long while, he spoke,
"Your Highness, her pulse is normal, there’s nothing serious, she’s just physically weak."
"Why did she faint?"
Nantang replied respectfully.
"Perhaps, it’s due to hunger."
At this moment, Su Yan also regained consciousness, opening her eyes.
Her eyes were dewy, and after scanning over Nantang and Xuanyuan Yonghao, her gaze landed on the bag of sweets.
Xuanyuan Yonghao saw her wake up, sizing her up, his tone tinged with a hint of either laughter or mockery,
"I’ve never seen a maid faint from hunger before. Today, I’ve truly seen something new."
As he spoke, Nantang, feeling it was no longer his concern, tactfully backed out.
Su Yan stood up, her voice tender,
"Then this servant will take her leave, and let Chunhua come in to attend to you."
With that, she was about to step away.
"Stop"
A deep voice echoed.
Su Yan paused her steps, hunger making her listless and devoid of energy.
Xuanyuan Yonghao looked at her as if a gust of wind would blow her over, a dark glint flickering in his eyes.
Xiao Hua was squeaking in agitation, just a moment ago finding the male lead pitiable and fragile, but now thinking, huh, what a rogue.
Followed by his light voice,
"I am in need of a food taster, you’ll do."
Upon hearing this, Su Yan quickly lifted her head,
"Huh?"
She unconsciously walked back.
Seeing her brighten up at the notion of tasting food, as if her complexion had improved substantially.
He curled his lips slightly, his eyes dropping for a moment,
"Sit"
This time, Su Yan obediently sat down. Told to take a seat, she didn’t decline and pulled out a chair to sit.
Then, she looked across the table at the exquisite dishes.
She politely inquired,
"Which dish would Your Highness like to try?"
"I’ve got no appetite, just eat whatever appears appetizing."
Su Yan followed the instruction, picking up the dish closest to her.
Tasting it tentatively in her mouth, she chewed carefully and swallowed.
Lifting her head, she stated earnestly,
"No poison."
As she was about to serve Xuanyuan Yonghao with another pair of chopsticks, he nonchalantly picked up his own and tasted a morsel.
Bypassing Su Yan’s task of serving food directly.
His eyes shadowed, his lips moving slowly,
"Continue"
Su Yan turned her attention to another dish, and after thirty minutes, she had sampled everything on the table.
There was also a tender steamed bun and a bowl of silver ear and bird’s nest porridge left.
Su Yan was naturally slender, unable to eat much.
Ravenous with hunger, having eaten so much, she was now full.
Putting down the chopsticks, her complexion seemed less pale after the meal, tinged with a hint of rosiness.
Her eyes, sparkling, seemed... not as dull as before.
Xuanyuan Yonghao silently pondered for a moment.
Su Yan stood up, carrying a nearby teacup to his side,
"Please enjoy, Your Highness"
His eyes gleamed, a smile that was not quite a smile on his face.
Being well-fed indeed makes a difference; her mind seems much sharper than just a moment ago.